Lea Stening Health - Dietitians and Nutrition Consultants - Christchurch

What is a dietitian? What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist? How can I improve my calcium intake when I’m not in the habit of drinking milk? How can I get my child to eat more vegetables? My two year old chews meat and then spits it out the meat fibre. Is he getting enough iron? My teenage daughter is overweight. Will talking to her about weight reduction lead to anorexia? I’ve told by husband he needs to diet and lose weight but he won’t listen. What can I do? I’m a body builder. Will eating egg whites help me to build up muscle mass? My four-month old baby wakes at night. Should I introduce solids now? Do I need to take Vitamin C pills to stop colds? My elderly mother is underweight. Should I add cream to her porridge?

This page contains answers to many frequently asked questions. If you have a query please feel free to contact us, as the answer to your question is sure to help others too.

What is a dietitian?

A registered professional, trained in the science of nutrition and diet therapy, qualified to work in areas that require nutritional assessment and counseling. A dietitian may work in a variety of settings ranging from clinical, community nutrition and sports or medical representatives to the food industry, research and education. Effective nutritional management strategies, based upon current scientific evidence, are used to help individuals or groups to improve their health through nutrition.

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What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

A dietitian is trained specifically in the use of diet therapy to help combat various disease states. In New Zealand every practicing dietitian has to be registered with the Dietitians Board of New Zealand and is protected by an act in Parliament. In order to qualify for registration applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Nutrition, a 15 month postgraduate diploma in Dietetics, consisting of lectures, supervised practical placements, examinations and a supervised practicum programme. Each dietitian is committed to a professional code of practice and fulfilling continuing education requirements.

A nutritionist has usually completed a degree in Human Nutrition or Science, or has training in science, nutrition, biochemistry, medicine or sports physiology. Alternatively they may not be trained at all, as there is no specific qualification or registration legally required. Most reputable nutritionists in New Zealand should be enrolled on the register of Nutritionists set up by the Nutrition Society of New Zealand.

Lea is registered with both the Dietitians Board of New Zealand and Nutrition Society of New Zealand.

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How can I improve my calcium intake when I’m not in the habit of drinking milk?

Ask yourself first if it is just a habit or due to allergy or intolerance.If it is just that you’re not in the habit of drinking milk then making milkshakes with trim milk and fruit (such as banana, peach or berries) or milo for a snack after school or work should help.

If you are intolerant to cow’s milk then calcium can also be found in calcium enriched rice or soy milk and used in cooking and snacks. [ More on Children ]

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How can I get my child to eat more vegetables?

Look first at how much you serve them. The 5+ NZ Vegetable Federation (Vegefed) promotion encourages us all to eat 3 servings of vegetables and 2 fruits each day the size of the recipients hand, i.e. the size of your child’s hand not yours. Children can become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of food offered. [ More on Children ]

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My two year old chews meat and then spits it out the meat fibre. Is he getting enough iron?

Probably not as the meat needs to be swallowed. Young children have deciduous (baby) teeth not steak knives in their mouths. Try offering softer versions of meat such as pate, mince or diced casseroled meat. [ More on Children ]

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My teenage daughter is overweight. Will talking to her about weight reduction lead to anorexia?

The short answer is that it is unlikely to. If you do nothing and she continues to put on weight you face other health issues and possibly a lifetime of yo-yo dieting. By teaching her about healthy eating and nutrition you are encouraging her to nurture and respect her body at an early age which will increase self esteem as she grows. Weight management is the residual benefit of obtaining sufficient energy for better mental and physical performance. [ More on Weight Control ]

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I’ve told by husband he needs to diet and lose weight but he won’t listen. What can I do?

You can’t change other peoples behaviour on your own. The word ‘diet’ often makes people think they have to eat less, when in fact they just need to learn to eat more healthy foods in the appropriate quantities. Rather than nagging him, buy lower fat foods, encourage exercise, offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and lead by example. Concentrate on the things he does well and as his self-esteem rises you will notice positive changes in everything he does. [ More on Weight Control ]

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I’m a body builder. Will eating egg whites help me to build up muscle mass?

The short answer is ‘no’. High protein diets can actually contribute to weight loss. It’s all a question of balance. A diet high in carbohydrates and moderate protein together with increased weight resistance exercise will provide good results. [ More on Weight Control ]

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My four-month old baby wakes at night. Should I introduce solids now?

Often mothers lose confidence in their ability to produce sufficient breast milk to meet the needs of their growing baby but they shouldn't. Breast milk is the very best start you can give your baby so continue to feed on demand until your baby is 6 months old. Then slowly introduce cereals and fruit offering one new food at a time every 4-5 days. (see Kids Section for more details). [ More on Introduction of Solids ]

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Do I need to take Vitamin C pills to stop colds?

There is no cure for the common cold. Irrespective of age most of us need only 30-40mgs of Vitamin C each day. One kiwifruit contains 65mgs. So if you eat two raw fruits and have a serving of raw vegetables each day, you’ll take in more Vitamin C than you can absorb.

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My elderly mother is underweight. Should I add cream to her porridge?

The answer is ‘no’ as she needs to build up muscle, not fatty deposits in her arteries. Increase her energy intake by offering low fat high protein foods such as milkshakes, milk puddings and more in-between snacks such as salmon sandwiches or mini muffins. Offer scrambled egg or low fat cheese for breakfast and she will soon be better. Also encourage her to do some weight bearing exercise as this has been found to be just as effective at building muscles in the elderly as it is for children. [ More on Weight Control ]

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